Monday, July 8, 2013

"Back in Black" by AC/DC

Pop Bits: AC/DC got their first Top 40 hit with the #35 "You Shook Me All Night Long." This second title-track single from the LP "Back in Black" came very close to matching that song's performance. Although the singles had middling peaks on the pop chart, they became instant rock radio standards along with another track from the album, "Hells Bells." That song didn't chart in the US, but it did reach #8 in the group's native Australia.

ReduxReview: With one of the greatest opening riffs in rock, this song is unmistakable and classic. Again, I've never been bowled over by AC/DC, but it is hard not to recognize something as good as this song.

ReduxRating: 8/10

Trivia: This song was the band's tribute to recently deceased band member Bon Scott. They wanted a song that would not be morose and would be more celebratory. The newest member of the band, Brian Johnson, was tagged to do the lyrics and it has since become one of their most popular songs.